Aerosol Generation Device

ABSTRACT

An aerosol generation device includes a power supply module having an power supply; a substrate module having a container for an aerosol substrate; and a heater module configured to detachably engage with the power supply module and having a mouthpiece; a heating element configured to receive power from the power supply and heat the substrate to generate an aerosol; and a receiving means configured to detachably engage with the substrate module and bring the heating element and the substrate together for generating the aerosol. The container of the substrate module is sealed prior to engaging with the heater module. The heater module is configured to break the sealing of the container upon or after engaging with the substrate module. The heater module receiving means is adapted to partly enclose the substrate module when engaged therewith. The power supply module is adapted to partly enclose the heater module when engaged therewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure relates to devices for generating an aerosolwhich is inhaled by a user, such as electronic cigarettes. Inparticular, the disclosure relates to aerosol generation devices wherethe aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol substrate.

BACKGROUND

Aerosol generation devices consume an aerosol substrate in order togenerate an aerosol. A user of the device must replace the aerosolsubstrate periodically in order to generate more of the aerosol.

Additionally, aerosol generation devices often include a mouthpiecethrough which the user may inhale the generated aerosol. The mouthpiecemust be kept clean to maintain hygiene.

It is desirable to make it easy for the user to use the device. Thesimplest way to achieve this is to make the entire device disposable,such that the user replaces the aerosol substrate and provides a cleanmouthpiece, by replacing the entire device. Alternatively, theconsumable aerosol substrate can be packaged in a container configuredto interface with the device, such that the user can replace thecontainer without having to directly handle the aerosol substrate.Additionally, the mouthpiece may be provided as a part of the container.

However, it is also desirable to reduce the environmental impact of theaerosol generation device. This goal can conflict with making the deviceeasy to use, because some types of container are not environmentallyfriendly, and an entirely disposable aerosol generation device may alsonot be environmentally friendly.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an aerosol generation devicewhich supports easy and clean replacement of an aerosol substrate whilereducing environmental impact.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosolgeneration device comprising: a power supply module comprising anelectrical power supply; a substrate module comprising a container foran aerosol substrate; and a heater module configured to detachablyengage with the power supply module, the heater module comprising: amouthpiece; a heating element configured to receive power from theelectrical power supply and heat the aerosol substrate to generate anaerosol; and a receiving means configured to detachably engage with thesubstrate module and bring the heating element and the aerosol substratetogether for generating the aerosol, wherein: the container of thesubstrate module is sealed prior to engaging with the heater module, andthe heater module is configured to break the sealing of the containerupon or after engaging with the substrate module, the heater module isadapted to partly enclose the substrate module when engaged therewith,and the power supply module is adapted to partly enclose the heatermodule when engaged therewith.

By providing a three-module device, the power supply module, substratemodule and heater module can be individually replaced only as often asnecessary. Furthermore, each module can be made of entirely differentmaterials and manufactured separately before being assembled into thedevice. The assembly of modules to form the complete aerosol generationdevice can be performed by the end user and/or performed as anadditional industrial manufacturing stage.

Optionally, the aerosol substrate is a liquid or gel.

Liquid or gel substrates are particularly difficult for a user to handledirectly, and the benefits of providing a container for the substrateare greater than for a solid substrate.

Optionally, the substrate module comprises a fluid transfer elementconfigured to transfer liquid from the container to the heating element.

Providing a fluid transfer element configured to operate with the heatermodule makes handling a liquid substrate easier and more reliable toincrease aerosol generation and decrease wastage of the substrate.

Optionally, the receiving means comprises a closure component arrangedto open for receiving the substrate module and to close for aerosolgeneration.

By providing a closure component, the substrate module can be entirelycontained within the receiving means during aerosol generation, meaningthat the conditions for aerosol generation can be more preciselycontrolled, and the quality of generated aerosol can be improved.

Optionally, the receiving means is a clam-shell container or a containercomprising a housing closed by a closing door.

A clam-shell container or housing-and-door container configuration eachprovide a specific closure component that is simple to operate androbust.

Optionally, the sealing of the container comprises a first layer that isnot soluble in the aerosol substrate and a second layer that is solublein the aerosol substrate.

With this configuration, a breach of the first layer becomesself-reinforcing as the second layer is exposed to the substrate, anddissolves to weaken the overall sealing.

Optionally, the soluble layer comprises a polysaccharide, starch orprotein-based material or biodegradable polyvinylalcohol (PVA) film.

Optionally, the sealing of the container comprises a foil seal layercomprising a moisture barrier. This has the effect of improving hygieneand reducing moisture exchange between the substrate module and anenvironment.

Optionally, the container and/or sealing of the container comprises apolymer film comprising a gas barrier and/or moisture barrier layer orcoating and at least one support layer.

Optionally, the gas and/or moisture barrier layer is EVOH, PVOH, SiOx,or natural wax or combinations thereof.

Optionally, the support layer comprises: paper, polylactic acid (PLA),poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), bio-PET, PBAT, polymer(s) ofcellulose-derived or starch-derived biodegradable polymers (BPs),chitosan or microbially synthesized polyesters.

Optionally, the receiving means comprises a piercing element configuredto pierce or cut the sealing of the container. This has the effect ofmaking the device simpler and easier to operate, because a user does notneed to manually open the container upon providing a fresh substratemodule for the aerosol generation device, and the container is openedunder controlled conditions that are less likely to waste the aerosolsubstrate or create a mess due to a leak.

Optionally, the sealing of the container is configured to break uponmelting, burning or decomposing upon heating by the heating element andthe heating element is configured to melt, burn or decompose the sealingof the container. This makes the device simpler and easier to operate,because a user does not need to manually open the container uponproviding a fresh substrate module for the aerosol generation device,and the container is opened under controlled conditions that are lesslikely to waste the aerosol substrate or create a mess due to a leak.

Optionally, the heater module is configured to open the sealing of thecontainer upon commencing aerosol generation. This has the advantage ofnot opening the substrate module until the user wishes to performaerosol generation, allowing the user to store a substrate module in thedevice without any risk of a leak and, in the general case wheremultiple different aerosol substrates can be used in the device,allowing the user to change their mind about which aerosol substrateshould be used by swapping the substrate module even after the substratemodule has engaged with the receiving means.

Optionally, the substrate module is biodegradable or compostable(according to EN1342 Standard). This reduces the environmental impact ofthe device, particularly because the part of the device that is expectedto be replaced most frequently has reduced environmental impact.

Optionally, the container and/or the sealing of the container comprise apolysaccharide, starch or protein-based material, paper, polylactic acid(PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), bio-PET, PBAT, polymer(s) ofcellulose-derived or starch-derived biodegradable polymers (BPs),chitosan or microbially synthesized polyesters.

Optionally, the heating element is detachable from the heater module.This improves the adaptability of the device such that parts can bereplaced only as frequently as necessary. For example, some users maywish to improve hygiene by replacing the mouthpiece with the heatermodule more often than they replace the heating element. On the otherhand, in some embodiments, the mouthpiece can be cleaned or covered toremain hygienic for longer, and the heating element may have a shorterlifetime than the rest of the heater module. Additionally oralternatively, the heating element may be detached for the purpose ofcleaning to extend its lifetime.

Optionally, the electrical power supply is detachable from the powersupply module. This has the advantage that the device may be usedcontinuously by swapping the electrical power supply. For example,rechargeable batteries could be swapped into the aerosol generationdevice such that one battery can be used in the device while another isbeing recharged. Furthermore, this feature eliminates the need for arecharging port in rechargeable aerosol generation device embodiments.

According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a heatermodule for an aerosol generation device, wherein the aerosol generationdevice comprises: a power supply module comprising an electrical powersupply, wherein the power supply module is adapted to partly enclose theheater module when engaged therewith; and a substrate module comprisinga container for an aerosol substrate, the heater module being configuredto detachably engage with the power supply module, the heater modulecomprising: a mouthpiece; a heating element configured to receive powerfrom the electrical power supply and heat the aerosol substrate togenerate an aerosol; and a receiving means configured to detachablyengage with the substrate module and bring the heating element and theaerosol substrate together for generating the aerosol, wherein: thecontainer of the substrate module is sealed prior to engaging with theheater module, and the heater module is configured to break the sealingof the container upon or after engaging with the substrate module, andthe heater module is adapted to partly enclose the substrate module whenengaged therewith.

According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a substratemodule for an aerosol generation device, wherein the aerosol generationdevice comprises: a power supply module comprising an electrical powersupply; and a heater module configured to detachably engage with thepower supply module, the heater module comprising: a mouthpiece; and aheating element configured to receive power from the electrical powersupply and heat an aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; wherein thepower supply module is adapted to partly enclose the heater module whenengaged therewith, the substrate module comprising a container for theaerosol substrate, wherein: the substrate module is configured todetachably engage with a receiving means of the substrate module, thereceiving means being configured to bring the heating element and theaerosol substrate together for generating the aerosol, the container ofthe substrate module is sealed prior to engaging with the heater module,and the sealing of the container is adapted to break upon the substratemodule engaging with the heater module, and the heater module is adaptedto partly enclose the substrate module when engaged therewith.

According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a packagecomprising: a plurality of substrate modules according to the thirdaspect; and a cardboard support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol generation device;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are schematic block diagrams of modules of theaerosol generation device in a disassembled state;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a first example of a heatermodule receiving a substrate module;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a second example of a heatermodule;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a third example of a heatermodule receiving a substrate module;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a fourth example of a heatermodule receiving a substrate module;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a fifth example of a heatermodule receiving a substrate module;

FIGS. 8A to 8D are schematic block diagrams of a sixth example of aheater module receiving a substrate module;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a package of replaceable modulesfor an aerosol generation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol generation device 1.The aerosol generation device is modular and can be assembled anddisassembled in use.

Specifically, the aerosol generation device 1 comprises a power supplymodule 11, a substrate module 12 and a heater module 13.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are schematic block diagrams illustratingdisassembled modules of the aerosol generation device 1.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the power supply module 11 comprises an electricalpower supply 111. The electrical power supply 111 may be any means ofelectrical power storage, such as a battery. The electrical power supply111 is preferably rechargeable. The power supply module 11 mayadditionally have a charging port for charging the electrical powersupply 111.

Optionally, the power supply module 11 may additionally comprise controlcircuitry 112 to control delivery of power from the electrical powersupply 111 to the heater module 13. The control circuitry 112 may, forexample, comprise a user input such as a button or switch to activatethe heater module, and may also comprise a timing circuit forcontrolling a cycle of aerosol generation. The control circuitry maycomprise sensing means for controlling aerosol generating conditionssuch as a pressure or flow rate sensor.

As further shown in FIG. 2A, the power supply module 11 comprises aheater module engaging element 113 for engaging with and partiallyenclosing the heater module 13. This may for example take the form of arecess with a screw thread or one or more flexible clips or magnets thatare adapted to engage with corresponding features of the heater module13. Additionally, the heater module engaging element 113 compriseselectrical contacts for supplying power to the heater module 13.

In some embodiments, the electrical power supply 111 is detachable fromthe power supply module 11. For example, the electrical power supply 111may be a rechargeable or disposable battery, and may be one of aplurality of electrical power supplies 111 that can be swapped into theaerosol generation device 1 and charged outside the device 1.

The power supply module 11 may be further configured to separate,providing an electrical power supply 111, a control circuitry 112 and acasing including the heater module engaging element 113, such that eachelement of the power supply module 11 can be individually replaced onlyas required. Allowing disassembly of modules of the device also improvesrecyclability, by improving the ease of separating parts comprisingdifferent materials.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the substrate module 12 comprises a container foranaerosol substrate 121.

The aerosol substrate 121 may be a liquid or gel aerosol substrate, forexample comprising an aerosolisation agent and a flavourant. Inparticular, the aerosol substrate 121 may comprise nicotine, and may beused to generate a nicotinecontaining aerosol as in reduced-risk smokingapplications. The formulations of the aerosol substrate usuallycomprise, in addition to nicotine, further components such as solvents,thickening agents, stabilizing agents, flavoring and/or tasteregulators. Alternatively, the aerosol substrate 121 may be a solid orsemi-solid aerosol substrate such as a tobacco product. This may betobacco in dried or cured form, in some cases with additionalingredients for flavouring or producing a smoother or otherwise morepleasurable experience. In some examples, the substrate such as tobaccomay be treated with a vaporising agent. The vaporising agent may improvethe generation of vapour from the substrate. The vaporising agent mayinclude, for example, a polyol such as glycerol, or a glycol such aspropylene glycol. The substrate may be provided as a solid or paste typematerial in shredded, pelletised, powdered, granulated, strip or sheetform, optionally a combination of these.

In some cases, the aerosol substrate may contain no tobacco, or even nonicotine, but instead may contain naturally or artificially derivedingredients for flavouring, volatilisation, improving smoothness, and/orproviding other pleasurable effects.

The container may take the form of a soft bag or capsule, or may have arigid form. The container is sealed prior to the substrate module 12being assembled into the aerosol generation device 1, and a sealing 122of the container is broken upon or after assembly of the aerosolgeneration device 1. The sealing 122 may form the whole of, or only oneor more specific parts of, the container. The sealing 122 may be brokenby any suitable means including piercing, cutting, bursting, heating,burning, melting, or decomposing. For instance, the sealing may comprisea weakened area such as a reduced thickness or a weaker seam.

The container and/or sealing 122 preferably comprises a foil layer (suchas aluminium foil) to improve hygiene and preserve freshness prior tothe sealing 122 being broken.

The container and/or sealing may additionally or alternatively comprisea polymer layer to increase the strength of the sealing withoutincreasing a required foil thickness. The polymer layer may be chosen tohave a relatively low melting or decomposing temperature, so that thesealing 122 can be relatively easily broken by a deliberate thermaleffect (e.g. heating, burning, melting, decomposing) that can besupplied by the heater module 13 but is unlikely to be experiencedduring storage.

In embodiments that combine a foil layer and a polymer layer, athickness of the foil layer may be made sufficiently thin so that thefoil layer preserves freshness prior to use of the substrate module 12but, after the polymer layer is broken, the foil layer is not strongenough to maintain the integrity of the sealing 122 on its own. Thismeans that the foil layer may be broken, for example, using a mechanicalforce such tearing, breaking or piercing or using a thermal effect thatis not actually hot enough to melt the material from which the foillayer is made (e.g. aluminium).

In an embodiment, the container may be substantially impervious tomoisture and/or gas, for example to protect an aerosol substrate thatcontains hygroscopic or oxygen-sensitive components that may deteriorateduring storage or reduce shelf life.

The container and/or sealing may comprise a polymer film comprising agas barrier and/or moisture barrier layer or coating. The gas barrierand/or moisture barrier layer or coating may, for example, be EVOH,PVOH, SiOx, natural wax.

The container and/or sealing layer may further comprise at least onesupport layer. The support layer or layers may be polymer or celluloseor a combination thereof. The polymer may be biodegradable orcompostable (According to EN1342 Standard).

The polymer may be derived from renewable resources such as polylacticacid (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA). In an example, the containerand/or sealing may be paper, PLA or PGA coated with natural wax or alaminate of paper, PLA or PGA and natural wax.

The support layer may also be formed of biodegradable or compostablepolymer(s) derived from non-renewable resources can be: bio-PET(Ethylene polyterephthalate), PBAT (Polybutylene adipate terephthalate).

The support layer may also be formed of biodegradable or compostablepolymer(s) of cellulose-derived or starch-derived biodegradable polymers(BPs), chitosan or microbially synthesized polyesters such as PHB(polyhydroxybutyrate), P3HB, PHV or PHBV. Where the aerosol substrate121 is a liquid or gel, the container and/or sealing 122 mayadditionally or alternatively comprise a layer that is soluble in thesubstrate, but is either not in contact with the substrate prior tobreaking the seal, or is only soluble when the substrate has been heatedabove room temperature. For example, the soluble layer may comprise apolysaccharide, starch or protein-based material or biodegradablepolyvinylalcohol (PVA) film.

The materials for the substrate module 12 are preferably chosen suchthat the substrate module 12 is biodegradable or compostable, at leastafter the aerosol substrate 121 has been consumed. In one embodiment,this is achieved by providing the aerosol substrate in a container thatis entirely made from a biodegradable or compostable sealing layer 122.The container and/or sealing layer may, for example, comprise apolysaccharide, starch or protein-based material.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the heater module 13 comprises a mouthpiece 131, aheating element 132 and a receiving means 133.

The mouthpiece 131 is configured for a user to draw aerosol from theaerosol generation device 1.

The heating element 132 is configured to receive power from theelectrical power supply 111 (when the aerosol generation device 1 isassembled) and to heat the aerosol substrate 121 to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” shall mean a system of particlesdispersed in the air or in a gas, such as mist, fog, or smoke.Accordingly the term “aerosolise” (or “aerosolize”) means to make intoan aerosol and/or to disperse as an aerosol. For the avoidance of doubt,aerosol is used to consistently describe mists or droplets comprisingatomised, volatilised or vaporised particles. Aerosol also includesmists or droplets comprising any combination of atomised, volatilised orvaporised particles.

The heating element 132 may be any suitable heater, producing heat viaelectrical resistance or via a chemical reaction that can be controlledelectrically. For example, the heating element 132 may comprise aresistive wire or mesh. Alternatively, combustion of a fuel in theheating element may be electrically controlled by controlling ignitionand controlling the supply of fuel to a combustion point, similar to themechanism of a conventional lighter.

In embodiments where the aerosol substrate 121 is heated inside thesubstrate module 12, the heating element 132 may be arranged on asurface of the receiving means 133 or embedded in the heater module 13close to a surface of the receiving means 133. In other embodiments, theaerosol substrate 121 is transferred out of the substrate module 12 (asin examples below), and the heating element 132 may be located whereveris appropriate for generating the aerosol.

The receiving means 133 is configured to detachably engage with thesubstrate module 12 and to bring the heating element 132 and the aerosolsubstrate 121 together for generating the aerosol. The receiving means133 of FIG. 2C is also configured to at least partly enclose thesubstrate module 12 in order to improve the change of the substratemodule 12 correctly engaging when inserted by a user, and in order to atleast partly fix a position of the substrate module 12 during aerosolgeneration. More specifically, in some embodiments, the receiving means133 comprises a recess in a surface of the heater module 13.

As further shown in FIG. 2C, in some embodiments, the receiving means133 comprises a closure component 1331 arranged to open for receivingthe substrate module 12 and to close for aerosol generation. The closurecomponent may take the form of a simple hinged door as shown in FIG. 2C,a clam-shell configuration where the door has a recess for receivingpart of the substrate module 12, or may take other forms such as asliding door on a rail, or a separate lid that is detachable from theheater module 13 or attached by a flexible connection.

The closure component is, in some embodiments, configured to seal arecess of the receiving means 133 such that the aerosol substrate 121 iscontained in the receiving means 133 even if it leaks from the substratemodule 12.

In other embodiments, the heater module engaging element 113 may alsoserve as an alternative to a closure component 1331. More specifically,as shown in FIG. 1 , the heater module engaging element 113 can beconfigured to at least partly enclose the substrate module 12 within thereceiving means 133 of the heater module 13. In such embodiments, theclosure component 1331 may be omitted.

When the aerosol generation device 1 is assembled as shown in FIG. 1 ,the heater module 13 engages with the substrate module 12 and with thepower supply module 11 to form a complete aerosol generation device 1that has a supply of aerosol substrate 121 and of electrical power 111to be used with the heating element 132 to generate the aerosol.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a first example of a heatermodule 13 receiving a substrate module 12.

In this example, the heater module 13 additionally comprises an air flowinlet 134 and an air flow outlet 135 arranged to allow a user to inhaleair with aerosol via the mouthpiece 131. The power supply module 11 maycomprise a hole corresponding to the air flow inlet, or may otherwise beshaped to leave a gap for the air flow inlet.

The inlet and outlet 134, 135 are connected via respective channels tothe receiving means 133 where they each end with a respective piercingelements 1332 configured to pierce the sealing 122 of the substratemodule 12 upon the heater module 13 engaging with the substrate module12. The piercing elements may simply be protruding ends of the channelsthat are sharp enough to break the sealing 122 when a user pushes thesubstrate module 12 into the receiving means 133 or when the closurecomponent 1331 is moved to a closed position.

The configuration of FIG. 3 is suitable when the aerosol substrate 121is a porous solid or semi-solid substrate. When the aerosol generationdevice 1 is assembled and the user inhales at the mouthpiece 131, airflows in through the inlet 134, through the substrate 121 and outthrough the outlet 135. The heating element 132 may be activated totransmit heat through the broken sealing 122 and to heat the aerosolsubstrate 121 to generate the aerosol. Thus, as the air flows throughthe substrate 121, the aerosol is added to the air flow and provided tothe user.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a second example of a heatermodule.

In the second example, a closure component 1331 takes the form of aclam-shell in which two parts of the receiving means 133 are hingedtogether so that the substrate module 12 can be received entirely withinthe heater module 13. In this particular example, the two parts arehinged near the mouthpiece but the two parts could be hinged elsewhere,for example at a bottom end of the heater module or along a longitudinalside in the axial direction of the module.

Similarly to FIG. 3 , piercing elements 1332 are again arranged at theends of channels connected to an air flow inlet and outlet, and the airflow inlet and outlet are configured to direct air through the aerosolsubstrate 121 (when the substrate module 12 is inserted).

Additionally, each part of the clam-shell comprises a heating element132. More generally, any number of heating elements 132 can be includedin embodiments, with different configurations, to improve efficiency ofgenerating the aerosol.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a third example of a heatermodule receiving a substrate module.

In the third example, the heater module 13 comprises an aerosolgeneration chamber 136 that is separate from the substrate module 12,and comprises a fluid transfer element configured to transfer a fluid orgel aerosol substrate 121 from the substrate module 12 to the aerosolgeneration chamber 136.

The fluid transfer element 137 may for example be a capillary tube. Anend of the fluid transfer element 137 extends into the receiving meansand comprises a piercing element arranged to pierce the sealing 122 of asubstrate module 12. Another end of the fluid transfer element 137extends up to or into the aerosol generation chamber 136.

In the third example, the heating element 132 is arranged near the fluidtransfer element 137. For example, the heating element 132 may bearranged in a loop or coil around the fluid transfer element 137 or aresistive circuit printed on the element 137. The heating element 132may be located between the receiving means 133 and the aerosolgeneration chamber 136, or may be located in the aerosol generationchamber 136 (as shown in FIG. 5 ).

The fluid transfer element 137 may be formed from a material with highthermal conductivity in order to improve heat transfer from the heatingelement 132 to the aerosol substrate 121 as it passes through the fluidtransfer element 137. For example, the fluid transfer element 137 may beformed from a metal. The fluid transfer element may also be made ofceramic.

In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 137 may comprise a pump(not shown).

With the configuration of FIG. 5 , the aerosol substrate 121 isaerosolised as it leaves the fluid transfer element 137 and enters theaerosol generation chamber 136. As air flows through the aerosolgeneration chamber 136, this carries the aerosol to the mouthpiece131.FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a fourth example of a heatermodule 13 receiving a substrate module 12.

The fourth example is largely similar to the third example, except thefluid transfer element 137 does not have a piercing element 1332.Instead, the heating element 132 is configured to activate to supplyheat towards the substrate module 12 and to provide a thermal effect(such as heating, burning, melting or decomposing) to break the sealing122. The aerosol substrate 121 is then transferred through the fluidtransfer element either through capillary action or through pumping.

As with the configurations of FIGS. 2C and 4 , a closure component 1331may be configured to close around the substrate module 12. The closurecomponent 1331 may advantageously press the sealing 122 against the endof the fluid transfer element 137 to improve heat transfer efficiencyfor breaking the sealing 122 and to reduce the chance of the aerosolsubstrate 121 leaking between the substrate module 12 and the receivingmeans 133.

This configuration, which lacks a piercing element 1332, has theadvantage that the sealing 122 is not broken until the heating element132 is activated at the time of aerosol generation, and therefore thesubstrate module 12 can be stored in the assembled aerosol generationdevice 1 without any risk that a liquid or gel aerosol substrate 121leaks through the broken sealing 122.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a fifth example of a heatermodule receiving a substrate module.

The fifth example is largely similar to the fourth example, except thefluid transfer element 123 forms part of the substrate module 12 ratherthan the heater module 13.

Instead of the fluid transfer element, in this example, the heatermodule 13 has a gap 138 connecting the receiving means 133 to theaerosol generation chamber 136. The gap 138 is sized to receive thefluid transfer element 123, so that the fluid transfer element 123extends past the heating element 132 and up to or into the aerosolgeneration chamber 136.

As with the fourth example, the sealing 122 is broken by a thermaleffect caused by the heating element 132.

FIGS. 8A to 8D are schematic block diagrams of a sixth example of aheater module receiving a substrate module.

The sixth example is largely similar to the third example, except thefluid transfer element 137 is replaced with a moveable fluid transferelement 1371 configured to break the sealing 122 after the heater module13 engages with the substrate module 12.

FIGS. 8A and 8C show a state of the moveable fluid transfer element 1371prior to breaking the sealing 122, with FIG. 8C being a magnified viewfocussing on the moveable fluid transfer element 1371.

In FIGS. 8A and 8C, the moveable fluid transfer element 1371 is in aretracted position in a gap 138, extending into the aerosol generationchamber 136, and not protruding from a surface of the receiving means133.

The heating element 132 is arranged in the aerosol generation chamber136 (preferably as a loop around the moveable fluid transfer element1371), and an actuator 139 is arranged between the aerosol generationchamber 136 and the receiving means 133. The actuator 139 is configuredto move the moveable fluid transfer element 1371. The actuator 139 maybe any suitable actuator. For example, the actuator may comprise a gripengaged with the moveable fluid transfer element 1371, a springconfigured to bias the grip towards the retracted position, and anelectromagnet configured to bias the grip towards an extended positionwhen activated.

In FIGS. 8B and 8D, the moveable fluid transfer element 1371 is in theextended position in the gap 138, extending out of the surface of thereceiving means 133 and breaking the sealing 122 of the substrate module12. An other end of the moveable fluid transfer element 1371 is stilladjacent to the heating element 132. Thus, in the extended position, theaerosol substrate 121 can be drawn out of the substrate module 12 andthe aerosol can be generated.

The sixth example of a heater module 13 may be configured to only movethe moveable fluid transfer element 1371 into the extended position whenthe user is ready for aerosol generation. This means that the sealing122 is not broken prior to commencing aerosol generation, and the riskof a leak is reduced when the substrate module 12 is stored assembled inthe device 1.

The aerosol generation device 1 may be distributed in various forms. Insome embodiments, the aerosol generation device 1 may be distributed asa fully formed device having a power supply module 11, a substratemodule 12 and a heater module 13. The device 1 may also be distributedas a kit comprising a power supply module 11, one or more substratemodules 12 and one or more heater modules 13.

In many embodiments, the substrate module 12 will be replaced morefrequently than the heater module 13 or the power supply module 11, andthe substrate module 12 may be distributed as a package of one or moresubstrate modules 12.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a package 2 of replaceablemodules for an aerosol generation device.

As shown in FIG. 9 , a plurality of substrate modules 12 may bedistributed in a form where they are attached to a cardboard support 21.The cardboard support 21 may, for example, be an open cardboard sheet, apair of open cardboard sheets between which the substrate modules arearranged, or a cardboard enclosure surrounding the substrate modules 12.Each substrate module 12 may be attached to the cardboard support 21using a dot of glue. Using a cardboard support has the advantage that,if the substrate modules 12 are biodegradable as described above, thenthe whole package is biodegradable.

Furthermore, if the number of substrate modules 12 which can be usedwith a heater module 13 while maintaining hygiene of the mouthpiece 131is known, then the substrate module 12 and heater module 13 can bedistributed accordingly in a package with multiple substrate modules 12per heater module 13. The number of substrate modules 12 per heatermodule 13 may typically be in the range of six to twenty. Each of thesubstrate modules 12 and the heater module 13 may be wrapped, forexample in a foil pack such as flow wrap, for hygiene and to protect themodule before use. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the heater module 13is recommended to be replaced after every six substrate modules 12 havebeen used, and the package 2 comprises one heater module 13 and sixsubstrate modules 12 mounted on or enclosed in a cardboard support 21.

In some embodiments, it is also advantageous to allow replacing themouthpiece 131 separately from the heating element 132, with eitherbeing replaced more frequently than the other. In order to accommodatethis, the heating element 132 may be detachable from the heater module13. For example, the heating element 132 may be fixed by press fittingto the heater module 13.

In one example shown in FIG. 10 , the heater module 13 comprises acradle 1321 adapted to receive the heating element 132 via the receivingmeans 133. More specifically, when the closure component 1331 is in anopen position, and no portion 2 of aerosol generating substrate ispresent, the receiving means 133 may provide access to the cradle 1321for inserting the heating element 132. The heating element 132 may forexample be a disposable resistive element adapted to engage withelectrical contacts in the cradle 1321, and the cradle may consist ofsupports for two opposite ends of the heating element, each supporthaving an electrical contact.

1. An aerosol generation device comprising: a power supply modulecomprising an electrical power supply; a substrate module comprising acontainer for an aerosol substrate; and a heater module configured todetachably engage with the power supply module, the heater modulecomprising: a mouthpiece; a heating element configured to receive powerfrom the electrical power supply and heat the aerosol substrate togenerate an aerosol; and a receiving means configured to detachablyengage with the substrate module and bring the heating element and theaerosol substrate together for generating the aerosol, wherein: thecontainer of the substrate module is sealed prior to engaging with theheater module, and the heater module is configured to break a sealing ofthe container upon or after engaging with the substrate module, thereceiving means is adapted to partly enclose the substrate module whenengaged therewith, and the power supply module is adapted to partlyenclose the heater module when engaged therewith.
 2. (canceled)
 3. Theaerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the heatermodule or the substrate module comprises a fluid transfer elementconfigured to transfer liquid from the container to the heating element.4. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein thereceiving means comprises a closure component arranged to open forreceiving the substrate module and to close for aerosol generation. 5.The aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein thereceiving means is a clam-shell container or a container comprising ahousing comprising a recess dimensioned for receiving the aerosolsubstrate and closed by a closing door.
 6. The aerosol generation deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the sealing of the container comprises afirst layer that is not soluble in the aerosol substrate and a secondlayer that is soluble in the aerosol substrate.
 7. The aerosolgeneration device according to claim 6, wherein the second layercomprises a polysaccharide, starch or protein-based material orbiodegradable polyvinylalcohol (PVA) film.
 8. The aerosol generationdevice according to claim 1, wherein the sealing of the containercomprises a foil seal layer comprising a moisture barrier.
 9. Theaerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the containerand/or the sealing of the container comprises a polymer film comprisinga gas barrier and/or a moisture barrier layer or coating and at leastone support layer.
 10. The aerosol generation device according to claim9, wherein the gas barrier and/or the moisture barrier layer or coatingcomprises EVOH, PVOH, SiOx, or natural wax or combinations thereof. 11.The aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein the at leastone support layer comprises: paper, polylactic acid (PLA), poly(glycolicacid) (PGA), bio-PET, PBAT, polymer(s) of cellulose-derived orstarch-derived biodegradable polymers (BPs), chitosan or microbiallysynthesized polyesters.
 12. The aerosol generation device according toclaim 1, wherein the receiving means comprises a piercing elementconfigured to pierce or cut the sealing of the container.
 13. Theaerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing ofthe container is configured to break upon melting, burning ordecomposing upon heating by the heating element and the heating elementis configured to melt, burn or decompose the sealing of the container.14. The aerosol generation device according to claims 6, wherein theheater module is configured to open the sealing of the container uponcommencing aerosol generation.
 15. The aerosol generation deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the substrate module is biodegradable orcompostable.
 16. The aerosol generation device according to claim 15,wherein the container and/or the sealing of the container comprises apolysaccharide, starch or protein-based material, paper, polylactic acid(PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), bio-PET, PBAT, polymer(s) ofcellulose-derived or starch-derived biodegradable polymers (BPs),chitosan or microbially synthesized polyesters.
 17. The aerosolgeneration device according to claim 1, wherein the heating element isdetachable from the heater module.
 18. The aerosol generation deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the electrical power supply is detachablefrom the power supply module.
 19. A heater module for an aerosolgeneration device, the heater module being configured to detachablyengage with a power supply module of the aerosol generation device, theheater module comprising: a mouthpiece; a heating element configured toreceive power from an electrical power supply of the aerosol generationdevice and heat an aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol; and areceiving means configured to detachably engage with a substrate moduleof the aerosol generation device and bring the heating element and anaerosol substrate together for generating an aerosol, wherein: heatermodule is configured to break a sealing of a container of a substratemodule of the aerosol generation device upon or after engaging with thesubstrate module, and the receiving means is adapted to partly enclosean substrate module of the aerosol generation device when engagedtherewith.
 20. A substrate module for an aerosol generation device, thesubstrate module comprising a container for an aerosol substrate,wherein: the substrate module is configured to detachably engage with areceiving means of a heater module of the aerosol generation device, thereceiving means being configured to bring a heating element of theaerosol generation device and the aerosol substrate together forgenerating the aerosol, the container of the substrate module is sealedprior to engaging with the heater module, and the a sealing of thecontainer is adapted to break upon the substrate module engaging withthe heater module, and the receiving means is adapted to partly enclosethe substrate module when engaged therewith.
 21. A package comprising: aplurality of the substrate modules according to claim 20; and acardboard support.